Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS), Spill
Clean-Up
Definitions
• Flammable: A substance having a
flash point below 100 degrees
Fahrenheit - easily ignited and
quick burning.
• Toxic: A substance which has the
capacity, through chemical
reaction or mixture, to produce
injury or harm to the body by entry
through absorption, ingestion,
inhalation, or injection.
• Caustic: A substance with the
capability of burning, destroying or
eating away organic tissue by
chemical reaction - Corrosive.
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
• Hospice of Rutherford County contracts with
MSDS Online to provide MSDS on all chemicals.
• Hospice keeps a log and manual with MSDS on
all chemicals used. The log is located in the
Business Department and Kathy Pierce is the
MSDS Coordinator.
• You may also contact MSDS Online at 1-888362-2007 or log on at www.msdsonline.com.
You need a user name and a user password.
They will provide a MSDS sheet via fax to you if
urgently requested.
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
• The MSDS is used by
chemical manufacturers
and vendors to convey
hazard information to users.
• A MSDS should be
obtained when a chemical
is purchased.
• A chemical inventory list,
and MSDS, for each
chemical are required to be
maintained.
Reading the MSDS
Information on the MSDS is organized in 16
sections as follows:
1 Product Name and Manufacture.
Includes the commercial name of
chemical, any common names and
contact information for the manufacturer.
2 Chemical Composition. List all
ingredients, including all carcinogens.
3 Hazard Identification. States potential
hazards of chemical if inhaled, ingested
or comes in contact with skin or eyes.
Details effects of long-term exposure.
4 First Aid Measures. Explain necessary
first aid for the types of exposures
detailed in previous category.
» Continued on next slide...
Reading the MSDS
16 Sections Continued
5 Fire Fighting Measures. Includes the
chemical’s flammable properties and
explains the best methods for putting out
flames created by the chemical.
6 Accidental Release Measures. Explains
safety precautions when a chemical may be
spilled or released into the air. Describes
the best clean-up procedures and
recommends necessary personal protective
equipment for cleaning up spills.
7 Handling and Storage. Advises how to
handle chemicals and recommends best
conditions for storage.
» Continued on next slide...
Reading the MSDS
16 Sections Continued
8 Exposure Controls/Personal Protection. Can list the Personal
Exposure Limit (PEL) and the Threshold Limit Valve (TLV) for
airborne substances. Lists necessary equipment a facility needs
and necessary personal protective equipment.
9 Physical and Chemical Properties. Lists all properties and
characteristics of the chemical.
10 Stability and Reactivity. Describes the stability of the chemical,
what conditions to avoid, and its incompatibility with other
chemicals. Specific storage instructions may be included here.
11 Toxicological Information. Describes the symptoms and
treatments of chemical poisoning and the effects the chemical can
have on human health. States the adverse effects that result from
ingestion, inhalation and skin contact or absorption.
» Continued on next slide...
Reading the MSDS
16 Sections Continued
12 Ecological Information. Describes the chemical’s effect on plants
and animals. Explains what happens to the chemical after it has
been released into the environment.
13 Disposal Considerations. Suggests the best method of disposing
the chemical.
14 Transportation Information. Details the shipping and transportation
of hazardous chemicals.
15 Regulatory Information. Lists government regulations of the
chemical and if it has been classified as hazardous.
16 Other Information. Features further information not already
included.
OSHA Requirements
OSHA requires that all MSDS sheets be written in English and include
the following:
• The common name of a hazardous single substance chemical.
• The chemicals and common names of the ingredients that contribute
to a chemical mixture tested for hazards as a whole.
• If a hazardous chemical mixture has not been tested as a whole,
then the chemical and common names of all ingredients are
determined to be a health hazards.
• The chemical and common names of all ingredients found to pose a
physical hazard when in a mixture.
• Physical and chemical characteristics, such as a vapor pressure and
flash point, of a hazardous chemical.
OSHA Requirements (cont.)
• Employee exposure limit.
• The potential health hazards of the chemical, including symptoms of
exposure, and any medical conditions known as resulting from
exposure to a chemical.
• If the chemical has been found to be a potential carcinogen.
• General precautions for safely handling chemicals.
• General control measuring for working with chemicals.
• Emergency and first-aid procedures.
• The date of when the MSDS was prepared or last time it was
updated.
• Name, address and telephone number of the chemical
manufacturer.
Spill Clean-Up
• Minor spills should be cleaned-up at the time of the
spill. Major spills may require special treatment,
equipment or emergency assistance.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as rubber
gloves and goggles, shall be available to staff when
dealing with hazardous materials.
• An approved spill kit should be readily available to all
staff.
• When necessary, report the chemical spill and call 911
if there are any injuries.
• When necessary, restrict access to the spill area.
• If the spilled chemical is flammable, make sure that
there is no smoking in the area and turn off machinery
and other power equipment.